by Pat Simmons
Without hesitation, she stood, strolled up to the pulpit, and ascended the steps. Stacy was already sitting at the organ. Shari was in the band, holding her sax. Rahn was surprised to see Garrett there, too, also with a sax. He briefly wondered if Ted played an instrument, also, or if taste testing was his primary skill.
Rahn admired his lady’s mustard-colored suit. She was beautiful, but it was her choice of a black hat with a tilt to one side that made her look stunning. And to think that God had saved her just for him. Rahn almost wanted to shake the other guy’s hand and thank him for Shae before landing a punch to his jaw for hurting her. He quickly banished that scenario from his imagination.
“Praise the Lord, everybody! It’s good to be home.” Shae bowed her head and prayed, then opened her mouth and, in the sweetest angelic voice, sang forth the opening line of “How Great Is Our God.” She gave Stacy a hand cue, and her sister struck a note on the piano.
As the congregation got on their feet, Rahn stood to praise God and support the woman he loved. When Shae hit the last note, Garrett and Shari manipulated the musical scale on their saxophones, holding the highest pitch as if they were in a duel. The sanctuary burst into worship after that. Rahn shouted praises to God, and Shae joined him once she returned to his side.
Soon, the pastor resumed his place at the podium. Jude 1:24 was the text for his message, “Stop Looking for a Loophole in the Bible to Sin.”
“There isn’t one,” Pastor Ellis warned. “God is not to be mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, he’ll get paid for it. There are consequences for sin. There is no such thing as a little lie, a big fat lie, or an almost lie. It’s the same way with sin. There is no middle ground. If you want to make it to heaven, look to Jesus, and He will keep you.”
He wrapped up his sermon in less than an hour, to a standing ovation. The altar call followed. “God wants to save you today. No appointment is necessary. If you want to start the process of salvation, take the first step: repent. God knows your dark, hidden secrets anyhow.”
“Yes, He does,” Rahn mumbled in agreement.
“All you need to do is acknowledge you’re a sinner.” Pastor Ellis paused. “Step two is to get prayer from one of our ministers who are waiting for you at the altar. Don’t go halfway with God; go all the way and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of your sins. The Lord will fill you with the Holy Ghost and speak to you through tongues of fire.” He stretched out his arms. “Won’t you come?”
Many did. Most received prayer only. Others who desired to be baptized were ushered through a door. Rahn had witnessed ten souls go down in the water, in Jesus’ name, by the time the benediction was given.
After the service, while Shae received hugs, some people approached Rahn and asked for his autograph, which he gave freely. Then an elderly woman wearing a pillbox hat wobbled toward him. She beckoned with a crooked finger for him to come closer. He obliged.
“God showed me you’re the one.”
Rahn frowned, wondering what she meant, as Shae walked up to him. Together, they watched the woman scurry away faster than she’d come. “Oh, I see you’ve met Mother Stillwell. Be wary of whatever she tells you.”
“I think she was on point with this one.” Rahn laughed, encircling her waist with his arm. “Come on. Let’s go so we can make our flight.”
39
Two weeks after the trip to Philly, Shae flew to Virginia with Rahn to meet his family. Halfway through their flight, Rahn angled his body in his seat next to hers. “Nervous?”
“Why?” Shae squirmed.
“Because you’ve asked me more than once about your appearance.”
“Oh.” What woman wouldn’t be self-conscious as she prepared to come face-to-face with her boyfriend’s mother? She and Eloise had gotten along fine on the phone. Shae just hoped she would pass inspection in person.
Rahn scanned her attire. “Believe me, you’ve never looked so pretty.” Leaning forward, he brushed a soft kiss against her lips. The touch relaxed her, and he knew it, too, judging from his cocky grin.
And the “Rahn effect” wasn’t limited to his touch. The intensity of the way he looked at her made her feel desired and admired. And his respect always shone through.
His appearance was perfection with precision, from his facial features to his height, from his build to his cologne and clothes; but the most endearing thing was that he loved Jesus. That was the icing on the cake. Shae smiled, remembering the slice of actual cake they had shared, back when they had barely known each other. Now, their love was secured, so she had stopped worrying about when Rahn was going to propose—almost. Whenever that happened, she would be ready to say yes.
Once they landed in Richmond, Rahn retrieved their luggage and picked up a rental car. Shae was speechless at the wealth and beauty surrounding her as they entered Moseley, Powhatan County. She mentally calculated the probable worth of the nearby estates at well over half-a-million dollars. “These are breathtaking.”
“Can you see yourself living in one of these?” Rahn asked with a serious edge to his tone.
Without looking his way, Shae could only shake her head. “I’ve never dreamed this big.”
“Dream, baby, dream.” He turned onto Fox Creek, and the mansions became even more majestic, with landscapes that showcased meticulous detail.
Frowning, Shae did a double take. Were those bushes that had been manicured into the shapes of Mickey and Minnie Mouse near a swing set? Really?
“We’re here.”
Rahn hardly needed to point out the house. The luxury cars parked along the perimeter of the large property and jammed in the long driveway were a telltale giveaway. “This must be some afternoon tea,” Shae muttered, referring to what Eloise had said—that she was inviting “a few friends” over to meet her.
“Small means big to Mom, and big means grand. These are old friends and some family. Consider this a welcome party, babe. Be yourself, and everyone will see why I love you.” He chuckled.
Shae bowed her head and whispered a short prayer. When she opened her eyes, Rahn gave her a tender smile. “Amen.”
The calming effect of that one word eased some of the tension as Rahn parked behind a black Bentley. Then, holding hands, they strolled up the circular cobblestone drive, Rahn identifying the various guests by their vehicles. They hadn’t made it to the porch when a beautifully carved oak door opened.
A petite, exquisitely coiffed woman graced the doorway—Eloise Maxwell. Rahn had her same engaging smile. Ignoring her son, Eloise stretched out her arms toward Shae. “Shae, we finally meet face-to-face. You’re gorgeous,” she said, eying her up and down.
Shae blushed under her scrutiny. Eloise looked stunning herself, especially considering her recent health scare.
“Welcome to Richmond.” Eloise gave her a hug that made her feel right at home.
“Thank you.”
Rahn cleared his throat. “I hope you’ll have some love left over for your favorite son.”
His mother shushed him. Laughing, Eloise took her time and kissed Shae’s cheek, then turned to Rahn. “I left a little for you.” She gave him a brief squeeze. “Come on in. Everybody’s waiting.”
The grand entrance was impressive, with wood molding everywhere. The spiral staircase looked like something out of a classic movie, but the gleaming hardwood floors looked newer. Shae felt sorry for the Persian rugs that were taking a pounding from the guests who filled the foyer or peeked around the corner from one of two sitting rooms on either side of the hall.
With a hero’s welcome, Rahn received hearty hugs, cheers, and even toasts, but he didn’t release her hand as he made the introductions. Some of the men had no shame, blatantly flirting with her in jest.
However, not everybody approved of Rahn’s decision to disclose his steroid use when he didn’t have to. That’s when Shae came to his defense, linking arms with him. “Rahn has made some unfortunate decisions in the past regarding his career, but the good thing is
, he whom the Son has set free is free indeed—talking about Jesus’ acquittal. How many people are willing to admit their mistakes and face public humiliation? He’s my hero.”
Rahn’s gaze was tender as he leaned in and brushed his lips across hers, to the aahs of those looking on. “Thank you, baby,” he whispered.
She was somewhat surprised by the applause.
“Uh…that sounds like a woman in love now, but I don’t recall your presence when this was happening,” boomed a tall, distinguished-looking gentleman as he approached them. Rahn stiffened beside her and loosened his hold of her hand.
“That’s enough, Uncle Joseph,” Rahn warned him.
Shae wasn’t about to back down. She tightened her grip on Rahn’s hand. “You’re correct. I made the decision to love him from afar, but I loved him nevertheless. I had to separate my personal life from my profession.”
A stylishly dressed older woman elbowed Uncle Joseph in the side as she asked, “Would you do it again?” She then identified herself as Aunt Gertrude.
All eyes were on her, including Rahn’s, as everyone waited for her answer. So, this was how an ambush felt. She and Rahn had reached an understanding that she had a right to protect her career. “After all, that’s what our argument was about—me trying to save my career,” he had said during the first long talk they’d had following the awards banquet. “I never should’ve threatened you, saying I would lie, or disrespected you. I was wrong to treat you that way, especially since I loved you.”
After reflecting on that conversation, Shae knew her response would not be a surprise to him. “I would.”
“Good for you. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll trip over nothing,” Aunt Gertrude stated with her own version of a cliché. She winked at Shae, then eyed Rahn with a serious look. “Marry this girl!”
That’s what I’m saying. Shae blushed but didn’t say a word.
Rahn stared at her with an unreadable expression. “I think I will.”
This was it. Was he about to propose? Was this the moment Shae had been waiting for? Her heart pounded wildly, and she had to catch her breath. Then she frowned. Rahn wouldn’t asked her in front of his family without having her family present, too—right? False alarm—again—which caused her to be annoyed. Barreling out of another room, two mini-versions of Rahn smothered him, vying for his attention. He put a halt to their questions as he made the introductions.
His nephews eyed her, giving away no hint as to what they were thinking. Seconds ticked by before the boys waved and, in a practiced manner, politely said, “Hi.”
Shae chuckled as Rahn rubbed one’s head and then the other’s. It wasn’t long before she met the twins’ parents. Rahn’s sister, Phyllis, was down to earth, and the two hit it off right away.
“Lunch is being served,” Eloise announced, directing her guests to the buffet tables set up in both sitting rooms.
Shae had never seen so much food at a gathering in someone’s home. “You want me to fix your plate?” Rahn asked her.
“Please, thank you.”
Rahn was attentive as he catered to her every request. When he vacated his seat, his sister stole it. Smiling, Phyllis sipped on her punch, then whispered, “Don’t let Uncle Joe get to you. Aunt Gertrude keeps him in check. You passed. We’ve met a few of Rahn’s previous dates, and they seemed interested in saying and doing whatever necessary to keep him.”
I’m not one of them, for sure. Shae smiled. “Don’t get me wrong—I truly love your brother—but I have a conscience, and I can’t go against it. When I made the decision to break up with him, I accepted my fate that I had lost him.” She closed her eyes, recalling her bouts of loneliness. “But God worked it out.”
“I’m so glad. You make my brother a better man. He loves you. I heard it in his voice the last time he was here, but seeing you two together, I can feel it.”
“Me, too.”
The two chatted like old girlfriends. Phyllis entertained Shae with stories about Rahn’s childhood, and she had never laughed so hard. The “afternoon tea” continued into the evening. At sunset, Rahn guided Shae onto the veranda for some time alone.
They were content to just sit there. Finally, Rahn revisited her remark to his uncle Joseph. “Thank you for loving me from afar, but I plan to keep you so close, you won’t ever have to make that decision again.”
Snuggling deeper in his arms, Shae shook her head. “I didn’t want to leave you.”
“I know, baby. You followed your convictions. How can I not love you for that? I always will.” After saying good night, Rahn prepared to head to the house he owned nearby, leaving her in the care of his mother. “Baby, if you need anything…” He was clearly reluctant to leave.
“She won’t. Good night, Son.” Eloise shoved him out the door, laughing.
The next morning, Rahn gave Shae a tour of his historic hometown. They visited the Richmond Slave Trail, which documented the history of the largest slave-holding state, as well as the state capital. They also shopped. Their last stop was a restaurant inside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, where they had made dinner reservations.
Both seemed to shut out the world and focus on each other. “You know I love you.” Rahn appeared more interested in her than the meal they were sharing by candlelight.
Enjoying his attention, Shae scrunched her nose at him. “As a matter of fact, I do know that,” she whispered. Her heart pounded, just as it did every time she heard him say that.
“I did tell you that I wanted us to get married before I left for spring training, right?”
“Are you asking me?”
“Almost.”
Shae lifted her eyebrows. “What do you mean, ‘almost’?” The man was killing the ambiance. Now she knew how other women felt when men strung them along. “Wouldn’t it be something if I decided I wasn’t ready to get married?”
“Woman, don’t play.” Rahn’s nostrils flared.
She leaned close enough to get a whiff of his cologne. “Then stop playing with me and my heart!” She had lowered her voice but didn’t try to hide her irritation. “It’s October, Rahn. Are you planning on asking me before this year is out?” she snapped.
“Yes.”
Okay. Shae calmed down and exhaled. She wouldn’t have to make a John Legend threat. Now I know.
40
Back in St. Louis, Rahn relayed his conversation with Shae to Marcus as they shot pool in Rahn’s game room. “Can you believe she basically challenged my intent to ask her to marry me and asked me when?” Rahn had to chuckle at the absurdity. “And this coming from a woman who wants to be surprised.”
Marcus tsked. “It’s a good thing Shae is too ladylike to smack you for teasing her. Yvette would have dragged me to the jeweler if I had mentioned the m word without the ring.”
“You know it’s about more than the ring. Shae is my heart, and I’ll protect my woman as my wife at all costs.”
“Personally, I think you’re going for overkill.” As Marcus racked up the balls to play a new game, Rahn chalked the tip of his cue. “You and your surprises.” Marcus shook his head. “You better hope she doesn’t walk away—again. ‘Marriage’ and ‘babies’ are fighting words to women, and they don’t play when their biological clock is ticking.”
The weeks rolled into November before Rahn got the call that everything was ready and done to his specifications. “I’ve got to fly home to take care of some business,” he informed Shae as he bid her good-bye at the elevator in her condo lobby, “but I’ll be back before the week is out.”
“Is everything all right?” she asked. “Do you want me to go with you? I’m off tomorrow, and I can fly back in time for my shift on Saturday.”
Rahn loved that she was always concerned about him. He hadn’t factored in the possibility that she would want to go along. Ever since they had mended their relationship, they had agreed there would be no more secrets between them, so he stuttered as he answered. “Uh, no, baby, but I’ll be h
ome as soon as possible.”
She eyed him warily. “Is everything all right?” she asked again.
“Perfect.” He winked.
“O-okay.” She kissed him. “I love you. Be safe.”
“I love you, too.” He waited until she stepped inside the elevator and the door closed. Whistling, he saluted Mr. Chapman and strolled outside. He pivoted on his heels and looked up. The light in her condo came on minutes later. Within seconds, she appeared in the window, waved, and blew him a kiss. As if he was wearing his baseball glove, Rahn lifted his arm and caught the imaginary jewel.
Then, smiling, he swaggered to his car. The next time he saw Shae, they would be engaged.
The next day, Rahn boarded the plane with his one-way ticket. When he arrived at his mother’s house in Richmond, she chewed him out. “It’s about time. You made Shae wait long enough. I won’t be surprised if she tells you no.”
“Don’t put any ideas in her head, Mom.” Rahn kissed her cheek, then left to pick up Shae’s presents. Once her engagement ring had passed his inspection, his next stop was a car dealership owned by his friend Harold, aka Hamster. The pearl-white Jaguar had been custom-made with reinforced windows able to withstand close-range gunfire.
“Do you know how long it took to make armor-plated doors for a Jag that wouldn’t take away its sleek look?” Hamster said.
“But your men did an outstanding job.” Rahn strolled around the vehicle, giving it a close examination. It had been worth the wait for them to get it right. When it came to his wife’s safety, he refused to compromise.
With everything in order, Rahn bid his family good-bye and began the solo drive back to the Midwest. Thoughts of Shae—her smile, her laughter, and the sense of completeness he felt when he held her in his arms—occupied his mind. He grunted. “I’m really going to do this.”
Two days later, although it seemed like forever, Rahn was an hour away from St. Louis when snow started to fall. Despite the perilous road conditions, he was able to arrive at Shae’s before she got home from work. He hoped it would be a slow news night so that she could leave the station on time.
